The Five Players Who England Need To Bring Into The Squad In 2016

After the disappointment of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, England now need to look to these five players to get things back on track;

1.Dylan Hartley

Another one of England’s disgraced players that unfortunately proved to be a big loss for the World Cup. His experience and ability at the set piece were sorely missed despite the impressive performances of Tom Youngs.

The return of Hartley would take the pressure of younger hooker’s like Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie whilst instantly helping to shore up England’s creaking set piece. He now needs to knuckle down and produce his best form in the Premiership.

2.Danny Cipriani

The fly half was overlooked for the final World Cup squad despite being arguably England’s most creative player. He seems to have put past issues to bed and has been playing at the top of his game consistently for some time now.

Whilst George Ford is likely to retain the starting jersey, Cipriani needs to be given some time in the 10 shirt during the 2016 Six Nations to see if he can get the backline firing, particularly with players like Anthony Watson outside of him.

3.Maro Itoje

The Saracens man is yet to earn a cap for England, but impressed during the World Cup build up and was a stand-out member of Saracens Premiership winning side last season, even captaining the side on several occasions.

He is capable of playing at lock or flanker make him ideal for an international squad where his raw athleticism will be seen as a huge asset. The sooner England can get him involved the better as he looks like a future captain.

4.Manu Tuilagi

Yes he’s been a bit of an idiot, and yes Jonathan Joseph has been excellent in the 13 shirt, but in Tuilagi England possess a genuine game changer. His presence in the midfield has been sorely missed over the last 12 months.

Whilst there’s no doubting his all round game needs to improve (see Ma’a Nonu), his ability to get over the gainline when supplied by a player like Ford or Cipriani is sure to cause the opposition a whole host of issues in the future.

5.Will Fraser

One thing that became glaringly obvious during England’s ill fated World Cup campaign was the desperate need for a genuine openside in the squad. Will Fraser could be just that man if he has an injury free season with Saracens.

Last year he was on the fringes of selection before another long injury layoff saw his World Cup hopes shattered. Sarries fans will tell you however that when on an extended injury free run he looks like a future international.